As part of my work as a Lead Practitioner for Languages I will be running a training seminar in London on the 3rd December. The theme of the seminar is raising attainment through classroom practice that focuses on achieving high levels of language with a cultural focus. Sessions will also cover key areas such as thinking skills, creativity and the use of technology. Sessions will provide practical ideas and examples of techniques used in the classroom to diversify the content of language teaching and to motivate students.

Delegates will experience how a focus on cultural understanding in all schemes of work can enhance teaching and learning at all stages developing a sense of purpose for using language, opportunities to experiment with words, patterns and structures and contact with the culture and native speakers. There will be input on how the use of technology can further enhance the teaching of MFL as well as on the KS3 Framework with practical ideas on how to implement this within your own lessons.

For full details you can download the flyer below as well as a map to the venue in Canary Wharf, London. Booking details are in the flyer and places are limited.

There are some great resources for the teaching of Spanish in the US, although I am not aware of websites from which you can download ideas or resources. They must be out there! Nevertheless, a favourite site is that of “The Five Minute Linguist” which has given me ideas for assemblies and will be of great interest to any language learner out there. The site is from the College of Charleston and the National Museum of Language – http://spinner.cofc.edu/linguist/archives/

Last summer a PowerPoint was shared on the mflresources forum where students had to give the language before the mouse crossed the screen. I took the idea and turned the mouse into Speedy Gonzales and added in some music. It makes me laugh every time and my Year 9 loved it. To involve all students you can use mini whiteboards and ask them to write down the answer. The PowerPoint below is on the topic of daily routine, but all you have to do is edit the langauge to fit whatever language you are covering.